Week 12 deep sleepers and DFS bargains

It’s time for a Thanksgiving edition of Deep Sleepers and DFS Bargains. I made good on three of my picks last week (Blaine Gabbert – QB6, Bruce Ellington – WR26 in PPR, and Tyler Kroft – TE11) Let’s try to do it again (or better!) this go-around.

To review… all of these players are owned in less than sixty percent of Yahoo leagues (at time of writing) and/or are a significant value in our daily game. They’re not the obvious picks, and they’re not without their risks, but that’s why they’re so cheap and available! I’d never advocate taking all of these guys, but rather utilizing them if a manager were in a pinch at a position or aiming to build a “stars and scrubs” sort of DFS lineup.

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Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens ($23)Yes, I’m aware Flacco stinks, as evidenced by his league low YPA (5.4). But the Texans have consistently made opposing quarterbacks look good. In fact, last week, they gifted Blaine Gabbert with top-six fantasy numbers. Completing nearly 65 percent of his passes, the Cardinals’ QB racked up over 250 yards and three scores. If that’s too small of a sample size for you, consider the fact that Houston has allowed 16 passing scores over the past six week. With Mike Wallace gaining steam, Jeremy Maclin back to health, and Danny Woodhead cementing his role in the short passing game, Flacco has enough weapons to take advantage of the ultra-plus matchup. FF: 288 and 2 TDs

Mike Wallace, WR, Baltimore Ravens ($18)Coming off a 1,000-yard season as a top twenty-five fantasy asset, Wallace’s start to 2017 was slow. Over the last few weeks, however, he’s started to come on, scoring in each of his past two outings. While he’s been out-targeted by Jeremy Maclin, it’s worth noting that Wallace is notching the high-value looks with nearly 25 percent of his opportunities occurring in the red area of the field. Additionally, he’s the team’s lone deep threat since Breshad Perriman’s demotion.

Managing double-digit fantasy points in four of his last six outings, Wallace figures to rack up the stats again in Week 12. Facing a Texans secondary that’s allowed eight scores to the WR position over the last month, the former Steeler has a solid shot of hitting pay dirt. He’s also expected to see a good amount of CB Jonathan Joseph, who has allowed a passer rating over 116.2 and has given up three scores over his past three contests. If ever there were a week to trust the Ravens, this is it.

Dontrelle Inman, WR, Chicago Bears ($13)Leading the team in targets over the past two weeks, Inman has emerged as the Bears’ WR1. Since his Week 10 debut, the former Charger has racked up 13 looks, 9 catches, and 131 yards. While the Bears are undoubtedly a run-first operation, Jordan Howard figures to have a rough go of things this Sunday at Philadelphia.

The Eagles run defense is no joke, allowing just 3.7 yards per carry and a league-low 71 rushing yard per game. That means that Mitchell Trubisky is going to try to air it out. And while the rookie QB doesn’t inspire loads of confidence, it is worth noting that John Fox has loosened the reigns. For three straight contests the first-round pick has managed at least 30 attempts. And Philly’s secondary is exploitable, averaging the eleventh most receiving yards per contest. Additionally, CB Jalen Mills, who Inman could see a fair amount of, has given up double-digit fantasy points in three of his last four games. If you’re looking for dart throws, Inman has a better than average shot of landing.

Tyler Kroft, TE, Cincinnati Bengals ($16)Double dip! One of my hidden gems from last Friday, Kroft made good on a favorable matchup in Week 11, finding the end zone at Mile High. I expect he’ll do the same in Week 12 against a Browns defense that’s allowed the fourth most points to opposing TEs and has given up three scores to the position over the last four weeks. In fact, in Week 4 Kroft teed off at Cleveland, posting a 6-68-2 stat line. Assuming that the Rutgers product is able to play through the wrist injury he sustained last Sunday, Kroft will remain a low-end TE1 over the holiday weekend.

Devontae Booker, RB, Denver Broncos ($14)Out-touching C.J. Anderson on the ground and via the air in Week 11, Booker has ascended the Broncos’ depth chart. While Anderson got the score last Sunday, Booker was more efficient and out-produced Anderson by a total of 42 yards. With Bill Musgrave calling the plays this backfield is still in flux, but I think Booker has a slight edge. He’s certainly been impressive in the passing game, hauling in 18 of 23 balls since Week 6.

Regardless, the match-up against the Raiders is soft enough for both RBs to produce. Oakland just fired DC Ken Norton Jr. and their defense is in shambles. Over the last month the Raiders have given up the sixth most fantasy points and three scores (two via the air) to opposing RBs. Booker has RB2 appeal in Week 12.